Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to a light and airy cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Mash Bananas

Mash the bananas in a bowl using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth (a few small lumps are okay).

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the mashed bananas and buttermilk to the wet mixture. Stir gently to combine. Then gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 7: Add Optional Ingredients

If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter.

Step 8: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Frost

Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Spread over the cooled cake.